GovFM Episodes on KWMR
Tune in to find out why local government matters!
GovFM is a monthly live episode on KWMR's flagship news and public affairs program, Epicenter. Hosted by Jim Schutz, GovFM features conversations with city managers, mayors, and other local government leaders exploring leadership, public service, the work of building strong communities, and why local government matters.
Heather Abrams, Town Manager
Town of Fairfax, California
Why do teenagers love Fairfax? Why is it a town instead of a city? And what are the projects shaping its future? Heather Abrams takes us behind the scenes of one of Marin's most unique communities in a conversation about leadership, local government, and the character that makes Fairfax unlike anywhere else.
Sarah Jones, Community Development Director
Summer Cassel, West Marin Municipal Services Manager
County of Marin, California
What exactly does county government do—and how is it different from your city or town? Sarah Jones and Summer Cassel pull back the curtain on everything from affordable housing and community planning to the future of West Marin, offering a fascinating look at the work happening behind the scenes in Marin's unincorporated communities.
Dave Donery, Town Manager
Town of San Anselmo, California
What makes San Anselmo such a special place to live, work, and raise a family? David Donery shares the inside story behind downtown revitalization, Creek Park Plaza, the newly renovated library, and the collaborative spirit that helps neighboring communities solve problems together.
Dan Schwarz, City Manager
City of Larkspur, California
What keeps a city manager happily leading the same community for more than 16 years? Dan Schwarz shares the stories behind Larkspur's new library, wildfire preparedness, the legendary Silver Peso, and the qualities that make Larkspur such a special place to live and work.
Carla Hansen, Assistant City Manager
Katie Skjerping, Economic Development Manager
City of Novato, California
Curious about the future of Novato? From the Eames Institute campus to the transformation of the Fireman's Fund property, Carla Hansen and Katie Skjerping share how thoughtful planning and economic development are helping shape one of Marin County's most dynamic communities.
Chris Zapata, Assistant County Executive
Jason Weber, Fire Chief
County of Marin, California
Super El Niño, Part I. How does Marin County prepare for a potentially very wet winter before the first big storm even arrives? Assistant County Executive Chris Zapata and Fire Chief Jason Weber take us behind the scenes of the County’s preparations for a possible Super El Niño—from coordinating departments and preparing infrastructure to lessons learned from recent atmospheric rivers and what gives them confidence Marin is ready.
Mari Ochoa, Marin County Fire Department Public Information Officer
County of Marin, California
Super El Niño, Part II. Jim talks with Mari Ochoa, Public Information Officer for Marin County Fire and the Office of Emergency Management, about what Marin residents can do now to prepare for the coming rainy season. They discuss the problems storms and power outages can create, the most important steps residents can take before a storm hits, common preparedness mistakes, how neighbors can help one another, and which emergency supplies you really need—and which ones you probably don’t.
John Alden, Inspector General
County of Marin, California
Jim Schutz talks with John Alden, Marin County’s first-ever Inspector General, about the County’s new approach to civilian oversight of law enforcement. They discuss what independence and accountability look like in practice, how oversight can build public trust while also helping institutions improve, and what success could look like for Marin five years from now.
Kate Colin, Mayor
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
City of San Rafael, California
GovFM comes home to San Rafael for a conversation with Mayor Kate Colin and City Clerk Lindsay Lara. We talk about what it really takes to run for local office, how cities can get more people engaged in local government, and how the role of the City Clerk has evolved and innovated over time.
We also explore some of the big things happening in San Rafael — from the future library and community center at Albert Park and the city’s growing public art scene to housing, homelessness, and what’s ahead for the community.
Maureen Borthwick, Recreation Manager
Town of Ross, California
Town of Ross Recreation Manager Maureen Borthwick takes us behind the scenes of the world of parks and recreation. We explore what it takes to plan and deliver recreation programs, how communities decide which activities to offer, and the challenge of keeping programs affordable while balancing budgets. Along the way, we discuss changing recreation trends, opportunities to reach more residents, and some of the special places and experiences that make Ross a great place to live and visit.
Stay Tuned for: Belvedere, Corte Madera, Mill Valley (November), Sausalito (January), Tiburon
Jim’s Work with Local Government
In addition to his radio show, Jim works with local government leaders and teams on executive coaching, leadership development, organizational culture, team building, facilitation, and strategic planning.